Working volume: validity evidence for a motion-based metric of surgical efficiency.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate working volume as a potential assessment metric for open surgical tasks.

Methods

Surgical attendings (n = 6), residents (n = 4), and medical students (n = 5) performed a suturing task on simulated connective tissue (foam), artery (rubber balloon), and friable tissue (tissue paper). Using a motion tracking system, effective working volume was calculated for each hand. Repeated measures analysis of variance assessed differences in working volume by experience level, dominant and/or nondominant hand, and tissue type.

Results

Analysis revealed a linear relationship between experience and working volume. Attendings had the smallest working volume, and students had the largest (P = .01). The 3-way interaction of experience le

SUBMITTER: D'Angelo AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4724457 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature